The AMC 8 is the first in the AMC series, which also includes AMC 10, AMC 12, and the invitational competitions AIME, USJMO, and USAMO. Therefore, the AMC 8 is a great way for younger students to gain experience with math competitions and develop problem solving skills.
The AMC 8 provides a way for students interested in math to use their knowledge and skills to experience the joy of competiting against others.
The best way to prepare for the AMC 8 is to attend our AMC 8/MathCounts training program. This is a comprehensive one-year program designed to cover all the topics that will be tested on the AMC 8 and MathCounts. Students who participate in our training program will have free access to video recordings of every single class. Students who are not able to attend our training program can also purchase our video recordings to learn course materials. Starting each January just after the AMC 8 contest, we offer these sessions in sequence:
- spring session (Geometry)
- summer session (Counting and Probability, and Number Theory)
- fall session (Arithmetic and Algebra)
- winter session (Comprehensive Problem Reasoning and Solving for AMC 8/MathCounts)
It is very important to note that in each session, no old material is repeated. Each session contains new, unique material, as well as a brand new comprehensive art of problem solving. We firmly believe that learning should be a long-term process of acquiring new material, information, and knowledge.
The easiest way to prepare is to practice solving previous official AMC 8 problems. Click the links below to visit our Practice Page for:
- Archived Exams: A full archive of every year’s AMC 8 exam. Students can take a practice exam that includes the real questions, timing, and scoring of each exam.
- Mock Tests: Practice exams are also available for purchase. Our team developed 35 different sets of AMC 8 mock tests for students to practice with. They are intended to mimic the actual AMC 8 exam with 25 brand new questions all calibrated to be at the same difficulty level and style as the real AMC 8. In particular, they are peer-reviewed by at least two experts in math education outside our center. These simulated tests are extremely helpful for assessing students’ level of preparation for the AMC 8. Our team also devised detailed solutions to all 25 problems on our 35 sets of AMC 8 mock tests. All these mock tests and their detailed solutions are a golden fountain of knowledge for our students, who are the ultimate beneficiaries. Surprisingly, some problems in our previous mock tests appeared in the recent official AMC 8 tests, as shown at:
Read more at:
- Some Hard Problems on the 2023 AMC 8 are Exactly the Same as Those in Other Previous Competitions
- The Hardest Problems on the 2018 AMC 8 are Nearly Identical to Former Problems on the AMC 8, 10, 12, and MathCounts
- The Hardest Problems on the 2017 AMC 8 are Extremely Similar to Previous Problems on the AMC 8, 10, 12, Kangaroo, and MathCounts
- Some Hard Problems on the 2016 AMC 8 are Exactly the Same as Previous Problems on the AMC 10/12 and the Other Competitions
The American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8) began in 1985. The AMC 8 is the most rigorous nationwide mathematics competition at the middle school level, dedicated to strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation’s youth. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for middle school students to develop their problem-solving, analytical thinking and mathematical skills in a way that can benefit their future careers. Students apply classroom skills to problem-solve unique challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment that fosters their love for learning and math.
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice contest for any student grades 8 and below. It is run by the Mathematical Association of America. A correct answer scores 1 point and an incorrect or blank answer receives neither gain nor penalty. Hence, a score of 25 is considered perfect.
Grade Level: The AMC 8 is designed for middle school students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Highly motivated 4th and 5th grade students are encouraged to participate as well.
National Awards:
- Certificate of Distinction — is given to all students who receive a perfect score.
- Distinguished Honor Roll (top 1%). In 2014, this was 22-25 correct out of 25 problems.
- Honor Roll (top 2-5%). In 2014, this was 17-21 correct out of 25 problems.
- Student Achievement Roll (6th grade and below placing in the top 10%). In 2014, this was 15-25 correct out of 25 problems.
Challenge Level: Problems progress from relatively easy to very challenging. Middle school students of all abilities who enjoy math problem solving are encouraged to participate.
You can visit the official MAA AMC 8 page by clicking here.
There are many math competitions in the United States. Of those, only AMC → AIME → USAMO sequence would take you to the IMO (International Math Olympiad), the highest level math competition for high school students in the world.
More articles about math competitions:
- Why Discrete Math Is Very Important
- Great Benefits of Math Competitions
- American Mathematics Contest 10 (AMC 10)
- A little competition can inspire math students to greater achievement
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- Notable Achievements of Our Students
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